The Poker Players Alliance (PPA) has recruited a Stern new face as it looks to combat the UIGEA and anti-poker legislature in the United States.

The aims of the PPA petition are simple; to 1) exempt poker from the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) and 2) license and regulate internet poker in the U.S. 3) Respect the rights of law-abiding Americans who love to play this great game of skill.’

He may not be familiar on this side of the pond, but Howard Stern is a US media colossus. The radio icon fronts The Howard Stern Show, which promotes uncensored discussion and addresses controversial current affairs. In 2006, the 52 year old was named one of the most 100 influential people on the globe by Time magazine, and the seventh most powerful celebrity by Forbes.

Stern’s inception into the PPA signifies a major coup for the petition, as it looks to drive home its case in National Poker Week. By adding a liberal face to its movement, the PPA is seeking to brandish the UIGEA as unconstitutional.

His addition caps a busy few weeks for the PPA. It has now surpassed 365,000 in membership, with esteemed poker pros such as Howard Lederer, Annie Duke and Andy Bloch all adding their names to the cause. The PPA is seeking to reclaim $30 million in player bank wire funds, confiscated by the Southern District of New York